Spring break is supposed to be a time of fun for college students taking a break from their studies. Unfortunately, however, there is drinking that takes place during this festive time, leading to an increase in arrests of many of these students in California for driving under the influence (DUI). If you or your child was arrested for DUI, reach out to a defense attorney right away.
Penalties for DUI in California
If you have been arrested for the first time on suspicion of DUI, then you can expect to face the following penalties:
- A fine and other fees of between $390 and $3,600
- Up to 6 months of jail time
- Suspension of your driving license by the DMV for 4 months
- Suspension of your driving license by the court for 6 months
- Probation of between 3 and 5 years
- Installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
The penalties are different if a driver was underage at the time of the arrest.
For a second DUI, the consequences you may face are as follows:
- A fine and other fees of between $390 and $4000
- Up to 1 year of jail time
- Suspension of your driving license by the courts for 2 years
- Suspension of your driving license by the DMV for 1 year
- Probation of between 3 years and 5 years with mandatory attendance in DUI school for 18 to 30 months
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock in your car for 1 year
For a third DUI, the consequences you face are as follows:
- A fine and other fees of between $390 and $18,000
- Up to 1 year of jail time, with 16 months of that in state prison
- Suspension of your driving license by the courts for 3 years
- Suspension of your driving license by the DMV for 1 year
- Probation of between 3 years and 5 years with mandatory attendance in DUI school for 30 months
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock in your car for 2 years
A fourth and subsequent DUIs within a 10-year period is normally charged as a California felony with the following consequences:
- Fines and fees of between $18,000.
- Jail time of between 16 months to 3 years in state prison.
- Suspension of driving license for up to 4 years with a possibility for permanent suspension of the license
- Probation of 3 to 5 years and mandatory completion of a 30-month DUI school as a condition of probation
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device in your car for 3 years
These penalties prescribed by the law are not the only consequences that come with single or multiple DUI arrests. Rather, there are collateral consequences you can suffer because of a DUI conviction in California.
Collateral consequences of a DUI Conviction in California
- Your insurance premiums could go up.
- Your ability to get certain licenses could be curtailed
- Your employment prospects may be reduced or eliminated because the DUI is a public record that employers can access.
- Your application to college may be adversely affected by a DUI conviction.
- Your financial aid consideration for college may also be adversely affected.
Speak with a Riverside, CA DUI Attorney Right Away
If you have been charged with a DUI and are facing any of these consequences, contact DeLimon Law today to schedule an appointment.